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StanFoster
11-22-2003, 08:25 AM
I sold my Air Command and bought this RAF2000. &nbsp;I am presently building the instrument panel. I installed the gauges today and have all the switches and fuses to put in. &nbsp;I left proper space for a radio which I havent decided on yet. &nbsp; Anyway...slow and steady and I should have it flying by the end of the winter. <br><br>I have a Parham stab for it.
StanFoster
11-22-2003, 08:27 AM
front view....no windshield yet
StanFoster
11-22-2003, 08:28 AM
rear view
StanFoster
11-22-2003, 08:30 AM
dash
CLS447
11-22-2003, 09:25 AM
Very nice Stan, I love the colors! Good luck with the completion!
Aussie_Paul
11-22-2003, 10:48 AM
Hi Stan, you are in a position to have the most stable Raf in the country.<br><br>From my years with Rafs and my Firebird project I would like to offer some suggestions. I hope that you don't mind.<br><br>1) Step the keel, which will be 4&quot;. You will have to cut<br> &nbsp; &nbsp;the H that is the bottom of the rear engine mount so <br> &nbsp; &nbsp;that you can plate the step with 1/4&quot; plate that you<br> &nbsp; &nbsp;can pop rivet the same as the keel to mast cluster<br> &nbsp; &nbsp;plates.<br><br>2) angle the rear part of the keel upwards as it goes<br> &nbsp; &nbsp;back, so that the tail wheel is still in the same original <br> &nbsp; &nbsp;position. This will give the stab slightly more negative <br> &nbsp; &nbsp;incidence and allow you to keep the normal tail wheel.<br><br>3) lower the engine and redrive 5&quot;, but lower the front <br> &nbsp; &nbsp;of the engine more than the back so that you will <br> &nbsp; &nbsp;have the thrust line pointiong down 3 degrees. Use a <br> &nbsp; &nbsp;prop to keel clearance of 1&quot;. Raf allow 2&quot; prop to keel<br> &nbsp; &nbsp;clearance but you only need 1&quot;.<br><br><br>If you are interested Stan I could sketch and scan out of the Raf manual to make things clearer.<br>It is the ideal time while you are building.<br><br>Aussie Paul.<br><br>
StanFoster
11-22-2003, 11:16 AM
Paul: &nbsp; Thanks for the suggestions. &nbsp;I take all opinions seriously...I am going to complete this as standard...except with the Parham stab. &nbsp;I will put in negative incidence as needed. &nbsp;
StanFoster
11-22-2003, 11:19 AM
Chris: &nbsp; Thanks for the comment. &nbsp; I have a lot of misc. work to do on it....most of the bolt on stuff is done...now its just wiring..hooking up and adjusting everything. &nbsp;
Chuck_Ellsworth
11-22-2003, 12:27 PM
That looks like a Lowrance Airmap 500, is it?<br><br>I just finished checking one of my friends out on one he just bought.<br><br>Lowrance makes a real neat GPS and the 500 is even better than the 300.<br><br>Chuck
mceagle
11-22-2003, 01:23 PM
Don't you just hate people that have a spotless workshop. <br><br>Pity about the lovley mural on the dash - (you will find out why Stan once the windscreen is fitted).<br><br>Real nice looking workmanship and paint job - enjoy
Aussie_Paul
11-22-2003, 06:55 PM
That’s a shame Stan. I was hoping that this forum was more convincing than that.<br><br>I guess that there will always be people who will do things their way instead of the safer way. &nbsp;Fortunately we still have the choice to choose what we do.<br><br>Don't hesitate to call if you have a question re Rafs. I know them pretty intimately by now.<br><br>I wish you well with your project and I envy your neat and tidiness.<br><br>Sorry to be so blunt Stan, but I remember so well being wrong before I joined the forum.<br><br>Aussie Paul.<br>
StanFoster
11-22-2003, 11:02 PM
Chuck: *It is a Lowrance 100. My wife bought it for me for Christmas last year. I found it at Wal-mart. *I installed a new dash around this GPS and put it in my Air Command last winter. *It is awesome for just going somewhere and knowing how far...how long left to go...actual ground speed..... * *I flew my Air Command to Mentone last summer...121 miles...Immediately into the flight which originally was going to be non-stop...I saw that my fuel reserve wasnt enough..so I changed course to my alternate fuel stop airport. *I am real impressed with it and thus had to put it in my RAF.<br><br>Paul: *I am not going to get into a back and forth exchange with you or anyone here on my decision to go with a RAF with a good stab. *I am well aware of all the endless discussions here...
StanFoster
11-22-2003, 11:10 PM
Mceagle: &nbsp; &nbsp; I am wondering if you mean I will see an annoying reflection of that eagle? &nbsp; I bought the RAF2000 with that already painted. It is so nicely done that I hate to cover it up. &nbsp;Myself...I would have painted it black. &nbsp;If the reflection is annoying....I will paint over it. &nbsp; &nbsp;Thanks for the comments on my spotless shop...but you havent seen the business side of it. &nbsp;I build curved stairways and it gets kind of cluttered with laminates..clamps all over ....glue all over. &nbsp;<br><br>My business and my hobbies are similar. &nbsp;I like things that climb and go in circles.....stairs and gyros.. ;D
rgraffeo
11-29-2003, 04:48 PM
Stan,<br> Wag Aero sold a radio with built in intercom &amp; VOR. It was about $1200, but not sure if they offer it any longer. I was going to put it in my gyro but used a VALCOM instead.<br> Also how did you mount the GPS to the panel? I use an old handheld as backup but keep it in my vest pocket.
Gary_in_Orygun
12-03-2003, 11:11 AM
What happened to the pictures that were originally with this post? Did the rework to the conference trash them?
ToddP
12-03-2003, 12:27 PM
Gary,

I'm afraid so. The conversion did not transfer attachment links. I apologize for the trouble.

Todd
CLS447
12-03-2003, 12:57 PM
Hey, no problem, now Stan can post more new pics! How about it Stan?
StanFoster
12-03-2003, 04:16 PM
Chris: I am making progress on my RAF2000. I have the Parham stab installed. I will post some more pictures soon.
StanFoster
12-04-2003, 02:08 AM
Has anyone had problems with the old style steering post on their RAF? They have an upgraded one that has a steel housing instead of aluminum. I was told that the rivets on the older ones have sheared off. However,,,it is supposedly rare. I am going to upgrade anyway.

Also...I do have the dual bearings in the lower drive sprocket that RAF says is the upgrade. Anyone have trouble with these?
StanFoster
12-04-2003, 02:09 AM
Chris: I get a laugh at how your dogs eyes look perfectly aligned.
StanFoster
12-05-2003, 01:50 PM
I made a little more progress on getting my switches and breakers in. The joysticks and trimbox are about done.
StanFoster
12-05-2003, 01:54 PM
Thew original side shot got lost in the transition..so I will post another one.
ToddP
12-05-2003, 04:10 PM
Stan,

Its looking good. Looks like you're getting close. It always seems like the final steps take the longest. Its sitting there, looking like a gyro....but its just not quite ready ::).

Keep plugging away.
StanFoster
12-05-2003, 04:26 PM
Todd: Thanks...I have a lot of tedious stuff to do...but I am really enjoying it. My stab will be on next week.
StanFoster
12-14-2003, 03:54 PM
I have all the cyclic controls connected and set for fore and aft tilt..and lateral tilt. The carb heat,,throttle, pre-rotator, rotor brake and gust lock are now hooked up.

Its nice to see the parts tub getting lighter. I will soon be wiring all the instruments etc. The Parham stab is going on this week.

Jim Mayfield sent me a personal e-mail suggesting those Gurney flaps. I think this is admirable of him suggesting ways to help someone who is not a customer. Thanks Jim... :)